Managing cravings Once you stop smoking, it is important to learn how to reduce your cravings for both cigarettes and food. Get enough sleep; when you are tired, you are more likely to crave cigarettes and food. If you are struggling or anxious about trying to quit smoking, talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement such as nicotine gum or a nicotine patch. These can help prevent a relapse, and nicotine gum has been shown to reduce weight gain. Find something that will replace smoking as a way to relax and do it consistently. Try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activities on most days, even if it is in a few shorter increments. Snack on fruit or chewing gum to satisfy any sweet cravings. Keep your hands busy with doodling, crossword puzzles, knitting, or twirling a straw, pen, or pencil. Get support and encouragement; talk to a friend when you get the urge to smoke; talk about something other than smoking. Becoming physically active will not only help you control your weight, but will also give you more energy, improve your health, take your mind off smoking, and help relieve the stress and moodiness that may occur as a result of withdrawal from nicotine. – never let yourself get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. Not everyone gains weight when they stop smoking, but the average weight gain is about 10 pounds. Beginning to increase your physical activity before you quit smoking may remind you how much smoking slows you down, when you have trouble breathing or start to cough during exercise. This can cause extra stress that can lead to extra snacking, especially over the holidays when more food is around, or relapsing back into smoking to cope with the stress. T. Remember H. Even if you do gain weight when you quit smoking, the health risks of smoking are far greater…you would have to gain over 150 pounds to make your health risks as high as when you smoked A. Positive attitude As you focus on quitting smoking and healing your body, your exercise and eating goals will become easier.
Article Source: How to Stop Smoking
